In-situ carbon nanotube-covered silicon carbide particle reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated by powder metallurgy

In order to achieve a uniform distribution of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement in aluminum (Al) matrix, novel nano/micro-sized hybrid reinforcements with CNT growing on the surface of SiC particle (SiCp) was synthesized by a chemical vapor deposition method. Subsequently, the hybrid reinforcement (defined as SiCp(CNT)) was mixed in the pure Al matrix by merely blending powder, as a result, CNT was well-dispersed in the matrix with the help of micro-sized SiCp as a vehicle. With the novel reinforcement, SiCp(CNT)/Al composite exhibited both improved elastic modulus of 93 GPa (35% higher than that of Al matrix) and tensile strength of 202 MPa (74% higher than that of Al matrix), mainly because CNT was dispersed uniformly and achieved intimate interfaces with Al matrix with the help of well dispersed SiCp. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.